THE Roberts Bakery Band has upped the tempo in its bid to become the nation's brightest brass ensemble.
The band has been treated to a radical 'next generation' makeover by the bakery, and is bringing more promising young musical talent on board to complement its bright new look.
Rudheath-based Roberts has revamped the band's rehearsal studio in Sandbach, as well as kitting out the musicians with new stage-wear – all to the tune of £4,000.
Lindsay Occleston – a fourth generation member of the Roberts family – dropped in to the studio to present the colourful new polo shirts and stage jackets to the 30-strong band.
She met the youngest member of the band, 15-year old trombonist Oliver Webb, who has been with the band for six months. Fellow youngsters in the band include Oliver’s 18-year old sister Abbie Webb who plays the horn, 18-year old Ella Ronald who plays the cornet, 16-year old percussionist Emily Savage and 16-year old Alex Thomson who plays the cornet.
Lindsay Occleston with young band members Oliver and Abbie Webb
Lindsay said: “Just like Roberts, this band is about defying convention and embracing all things new so we’re really excited to kick-start a bright new era for them with a radical image – it certainly is a far cry from what you’d expect to see.
"It’s fantastic to see the band attracting so much young talent and I’m looking forward to seeing them play at many local events in the coming months.”
The band is a regular fixture at major events, including the Royal Cheshire County Show where it will play on June 18.
Lindsay Occleston present new stage-wear to musical director Paul Lovatt-Cooper in front of the band
Paul Lovatt-Cooper, musical director of the Roberts Bakery Band, added: “With a brilliant new image, some incredibly gifted young players and a unique repertoire of music, this band is really breaking with tradition and putting its own spin on brass.
"We can’t wait to get out into the community now and play at as many music events as possible to share with everyone just how good the band has become.”
Roberts Bakery has sponsored the band, which was formerly the Middlewich Town Band, since 1980.
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